Letters to the Editor
Vote for Layman
Dear Independent,This letter is in support of and to highlight a truly beloved long time family friend and a remarkable woman, Gloria Raleigh-Layman of York. For those who know her, I am sure they will agree with me when I say she is remarkable. For those who do not know Gloria, I hope they might have the chance to meet this kind, caring, and community/family oriented woman as I think they will agree with me.
I am 53 years old now and have been close friends with Gloria and her son, Keith Bishop, also of York, since I was eight years old - a full 45 years. We were neighbors growing up and Keith was my best friend and sometimes best enemy as kids' spats often go! Gloria has always been referred to as "my other mother" and has always treated me and my brothers as if we were her own kids. Consequently, Keith's children, Keith Bishop II of Berwick and Tami Greco of York, as well as their young children, are also considered an important part of our own family.
While I am not involved with or familiar with politics, I am familiar with Gloria's commitment to responsible government and her long time involvement in community affairs that are dear to her, including being past president of the York Senior Council, as executive board member of the Seacoast Shipyard Association, a past vice president of the American Legion Auxiliary, past president and vice president of York's AARP chapter, the Southern Area Council on Aging and the Alliance for Retired Americans (Washington, DC/Augusta). Gloria is currently County Commissioner for District 5, which includes Kittery, York, Wells, Eliot and Ogunquit, and she is up for re-election for this seat appointed to her last year when her husband, then commissioner, died in July 2005.
One good example of Gloria's commitment to the betterment of communities comes to mind when her beloved brother, Lonnie Raleigh (also a lifelong York resident and lobsterman/serviceman) died tragically in a boating accident in the mid '90s. We stayed with her and Keith during the aftermath of Lonnie's untimely death so we could help in some way. As a lifelong York resident - and a resident whose roots were/are embedded in a coastal fishing family, Gloria and Bill (Bill was a York selectman at the time), formed a committee whose purpose was to raise the funds - and at no cost to local or state taxpayers - to create a rather costly memorial honoring all local community fishermen who lost their lives at sea. The memorial's fundraiser was a huge success and while painful for Gloria and the Raleigh family at the time, it was/is a very meaningful tribute to those who go to work on an often dangerous sea and something Gloria strongly felt the members of the coastal community needed as well as her family.
Finally, to me and my family, Gloria Raleigh-Layman is a huge bright light in our lives and we have spent 43 years of pure laughter and sometimes sharing pure tears - but that's what nurtures friendships. Gloria is a treasure as anyone's friend as well as an asset to her community, to any committee she is a member of, or to any office she holds!
We love YOU Mum #2!
Prof. Mark Defazio
Raymond
Bowman is best
Dear Independent,On Nov. 7, I strongly recommend all citizens of voting age who live in the towns of Kittery, Eliot, York, South Berwick and Ogunquit vote for Peter Bowman to be our District 1 representative in the Maine State Senate.
I had the good fortune to have worked with Peter for 11 years at Gould Electronics and I know from first-hand experience that he is the best possible candidate we could ever hope to have as our state senator. Peter is an extremely intelligent and capable person. He possesses a mixture of formal education, work experiences and civic involvement second to none.
Peter has a B.S. in engineering from Cornell. He also has an M.S. in engineering and an M.S. in management from MIT. He has had extensive experience serving in the U.S. Navy and, for three years, served as the commander of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He was appointed by then Sen. George Mitchell as a commissioner on the 1993 Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission. Peter's private industry experience included 11 years at Gould Electronics, a global manufacturer of electric components, where he held the position of vice president. Peter has also been deeply involved with volunteer work in our community for many years. He has served on the Kittery School Committee, Kittery Oversight Committee, Kittery Community Center Building Committee, as trustee of the Portsmouth Music Hall, as a member of the Maine People's Alliance and most recently has been appointed to the Maine Regulatory Fairness Board. Peter was honored for his community work by being named co-recipient of the 2005 Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce "Citizen of the Year" award.
Peter understands and sincerely cares about the issues that have an impact on our families as well as the future welfare of our state. He is very knowledgeable on all the main issues, will listen to his constituency's concerns and will do his best to help us.
I have lived in York since 1979 and I know that a person of Peter Bowman's caliber does not come forth as a candidate for public office very often. I really believe that we are fortunate to have a person of Peter's stature and capabilities willing to dedicate his time and energy to help make our community and state a better place to live and work.
Vote for Peter Bowman on Nov. 7 and you will get the best person you could ever hope to have representing your community in the Maine State Senate!
Tom Maran
York
P.S. If you want to learn more about Peter Bowman's background, accomplishments and where he stands on the main issues, check out his website at www.peterbowmanme.com.
Support YCSA
Dear Independent,The presence of some new yellow drop-off bins for clothes and shoes has caused some confusion. These bins have nothing to do with the Thrift Shop run by the York Community Service Association. They belong to an outside group named Planet Aid, which collects items in America and sells them abroad; local people do not benefit from this process at all.
If you want to help people in York, we hop you'll continue to donate items to our Thrift Shop up on Route One. We sell everything we collect to local people at very reasonable prices. We then use the money to fund social services for York people in need. We have been serving York people in this way for over 50 years. If you want to help us in this effort, please keep bringing your clothes, shoes and other small items to us.
Our Thrift Shop at 1320 US Route 1 is open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and we are almost always ready to accept your donations. It's best to call ahead, at 363-2510, to let us know you're coming.
Thanks for all your support.
Jon Werner
Manager, YCSA Thrift Shop
York
Vote for Bowman
Dear Independent,I am writing in support of the candidacy of Peter Bowman for Maine State Senate. I have known Peter personally and professionally for over 10 years and believe he is eminently qualified to represent the voters of Southern York County. Honesty and integrity are key attributes of Peter Bowman's makeup and he'd carry those to Augusta in representing his constituents. I have seen Peter Bowman in action at the community level as well as in the corporate boardroom and military command center. You won't find a more passionate, caring or committed leader. And when Peter Bowman leads, he leads by example, whether it's serving his 23rd spaghetti dinner in support of the Kittery Recreation Center, fundraising for the Music Hall or stumping to save the Shipyard. Peter Bowman is a thoughtful decision maker and an exceptional listener who has a keen ability to gather the data, hear all the arguments, weigh the options and then make informed, rationale decisions based fairly on the resources at hand and the benefits to be derived, for the common good.
I will cast my ballot for Peter Bowman on Nov. 7 not only because I support his platform, (see www.peterbowmanme.com) but because I am voting for the man I feel is best qualified to represent all of us at the statehouse. I will vote for Peter Bowman because I have always known him to be a consensus-builder, and in this day and age when bipartisanship seems a thing of the past, I think we need more people like Peter Bowman in Augusta.
Steve Ober
Kittery Point
End tax-and-spend
Dear Independent,You have recently printed several letters endorsing for election to the legislature personally attractive candidates, one of whom is running against Brad Moulton, 149th district representative. Even if these marvelous candidates have all the qualities of Margaret Thacher, Indira Ghandi and Golda Meir, it would be a severe error to send any of them to Augusta.
Their party has controlled the legislature for almost 30 years. During that period, Maine has steadily declined in opportunity and employment. It has become first in the nation in taxation and per capita expenditure. A tax-and-spend philosophy has dominated the legislature. Most of the money comes from York County and Cumberland County. The state's condition will continue to get worse and worse unless the control of the legislature changes. We now educate and pay for thousands of young Mainers, who will never find work in Maine under the tax-and-spend doctrine. They will have to emigrate. The reason is that no intelligent business employer will come into the state, as long as the tax-and-spend legislature remains.
The future requires the election of Ken Lemont for senator, Windol Weaver for 150th district representative and reelection of Brad Moulton as 149th district representative.
It is time to reverse the unfortunate pattern of 30 years.
John P. Campbell
York
No on Article 12
Dear Independent,Are you aware of the changes on the November ballot regarding the Comprehensive Plan?
Article 12, as presented on the ballot, is misleading and does not inform the voters of the facts. The process now provided in the Comprehensive Plan requires that a steering committee be appointed every five to seven years to reexamine the direction provided by the plan. This process is being eliminated. You should know that Article 12, as written on the ballot and being presented to the voters, does not address this fact! Article 12 reads as follows: "The Town hereby ordains amendments to the Comprehensive Plan to require the Planning Board to make frequent updates to keep the Plan current, specifically amending: Volume 1: Policies, Capital Investment Plan, Regional Coordination Program, and Implementation Program."
If you pick up a copy of the amendment at the Town Hall, you can read what exists today and observe that the deleted portion strikes out the process for the steering committee!
What are the selectmen doing to correct this? How will the voters be notified? Should this article be deleted from the ballot?
A "no" vote on Article 12 is strongly recommended.
Clifford Estes
York
Augusta needs Hill
Dear Independent,My family has owned property in Cape Neddick for the past 56 years - we're originally from Sanford.
When I was confronted with devastating property damage, due to drainage and flooding issues, Sen. Mary Black Andrews was determined to help.
Sen. Andrews brought the problem, lack of Maine law to protect its residents, to the Maine Legislature and the local press. Sen. Andrews and I worked hard and were successful in establishing LD 816: Adoption of the Reasonable Use Rule of Drainage, which will protect all Maine property owners effective Jan. 1, 2007.
I am writing because I believe Dawn Hill will also work hard in Augusta. Dawn's attributes of honesty and taking responsibility will be the basis for her serving the public good.
So, I am endorsing Ms. Dawn Hill for state representative in District 149 because I believe she will work in a bipartisan manner, as did Sen. Andrews, to support and effect positive legislation for all her constituents and her state.
Audrey Miller
Cape Neddick
Beware Comp Plan changes
Dear Independent,Everywhere one looks in the world, there seems to be a wide disparity between what people want and what government delivers. Even in the Western parliamentary democracies, leadership is clearly out of synch with the people's wishes.
Thus, we should not be surprised that these conditions pertain to our own little town. For the last six years, the citizens of York have instructed the town government of York to control and manage growth in the public interest. Citizen initiative created York's Growth Control Ordinance in August 2000 and reaffirmed it three more times - in November 2000 and May of both 2003 and 2006. Yet the Comprehensive Plan, which is the people's guide for growth management, has been largely ignored for the seven years of its existence - indeed, the Natural Resource Inventory (which by state law is mandated to be the first step in creating a plan) was only substantively realized in May 2006. Meanwhile, ordinance after ordinance to assist the development process have been proffered by the Planning Department.
Now, less than six months after the people's mandate to control and manage growth was reaffirmed, the Planning Department, Planning Board and Board of Selectmen have forwarded to the November ballot a series of Comprehensive Plan amendments which will increase development opportunities while at the same time lessening public involvement in and scrutiny of the plan. These amendments would create an expanded growth area in an inappropriate area - the rocky ground of the western side of Route 1. This expansion is contrary to good planning, common sense and the stated intention of the current plan, which is to allocate the growth area to the eastern side of Route 1 between the York and Cape Neddick Rivers. Another amendment would eliminate the public steering committee for Comp Plan review purposes as called for in the State Growth Management Law, instead reserving the review process for the traditionally pro-development Planning Board.
These amendments were given but one public hearing under Planning Board auspices - none were held by the Board of Selectmen, which compounded the felony by not even listing the Comp Plan amendments on the agenda for the meeting at which they forwarded these dubious changes to the ballot.
Next week, I hope to be allowed to write about these events in a broader context, but for all those who are marking absentee ballots now, please, preserve the integrity of the people's Comprehensive Plan - vote NO on these bogus amendments. Perhaps the best indicator of who benefits from these changes is the absolute silence - deafening, in fact - from the development community who may be relied upon to squawk loudly about legal changes perceived not be in their interest.
T.H. Macdonald, Jr.
York
The meaning of liberal
Dear Independent,Back in 1988, after Reagan attacked the Democrats for being "liberal, liberal, liberal," Fritz Stern, a distinguished German historian, countered that liberalism was one of America's noblest traditions. "It has transformed the world," he wrote. "Its greatest victory was the American Revolution; its greatest pronouncement, the Declaration of Independence; its greatest bulwark, the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights."
One might add the Emancipation Proclamation, the New Deal Programs, the Marshall Plan and the Civil Rights legislation of the 1960s to that list.
So how did "liberal" become such a denigrating label?
The American Heritage Dictionary defines a liberal as, "favoring non-revolutionary progress and reform; having views or policies that favor the freedom of individuals to act or express themselves in a manner of their own choosing." The Oxford Universal Dictionary says the original epithet applied to "those arts or sciences that were worthy of a free man; free from narrow prejudice."
Liberalism, then, is an attitude of mind held by people who are resistant to coercive action, whether sponsored by the right or the left. It assumes that progress and reform are best achieved through non-violent means, and by thinking that is free from narrow prejudice. These were the "mainstream" values of our founders; what has happened to make them obsolete?
Liberalism is not a political agenda. Neither is it a knee-jerk soft-mindedness in the face of tough choices. In fact, it demands more rigorous examination of alternatives and more careful thought about consequences just because it tries to free itself from prejudice.
Liberalism is an attitude toward the human race - a way of thinking about what's happening. It is grounded in the recognition that people will resist coercion and respond to generosity - liberalism - if they perceive it as that. And if Western culture has made any progress in the last millennium, it is just because those attitudes have prevailed - most of the time.
Stern and others - George Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., among them, saw liberalism as ultimately the only antidote to totalitarianism. Not because it justified "crusades" or retaliation against petty dictators or, least of all, the spread of American consumerism, but because in the long run it is irresistible. It assumes that, in the end, people want the freedom to life, liberty - and the pursuit of happiness. And if they don't seem to be acting in that pursuit it is because they don't see that they have the option to do so. Liberalism is patently sensible, humane, life-enhancing - and consistent with every major world religious teaching. No force can stand up to it indefinitely. Witness the collapse of the Soviet empire.
So I am not about to give up my "liberal" convictions. Nor do I accept that any special circumstances, political commitments or radical religiosity - of any complexion - change the basic equation of human nature.
David Newman
York
Hill for District 149
Dear Independent,"You can't fight City Hall" proclaims the cynic. To which I respond, "Have you been to City Hall? Did you go there primed for a fight; or willing to strike up a partnership? Do you even vote?"
Casting our vote is our easiest way to partner with City Hall (or its local counterpart). And this year it's friendlier than ever, for those of us in State District 149, which includes Ogunquit, Moody, southeast Wells and western York and Kittery. That's because candidate for State Rep. Dawn Hill wants to connect with her potential constituents, as they make themselves know to her, or let her reveal herself to them, at public meetings or via www.dawnhill.org, or email: dawn@dawnhill.org.
She lives in Cape Neddick at the south end of Pine Hill Road; has served on the Maine Planning Office Critical Areas Advisory Board, York Planning Board, York Historic District Commission, Center for Wildlife Board of Directors; conducted a law practice 1980-1990; owns It's A Dog's World canine training and activity center; has an affection for the small business community; compassion for homeowners facing rising property taxes, and is committed to positive leadership and straightforward thinking.
Dawn Hill is our best option to partner with City Hall, at state level. If you need reassurance, give her a call at 363-7594.
Isabel Lewando
Ogunquit
Vote for Dawn Hill
Dear Independent,For over 42 years, I have owned property in Maine, paid fair taxes, enjoyed our beautiful countryside and have been a happy and enthusiastic citizen.
About 15 years ago, I met Dawn Hill at a social gathering in Perkins Cove. She immediately made a good impression on me and over the years she has contributed greatly to many causes that benefit our community. Now, Dawn is running for state representative for the newly defined District 149, which includes Moody and Ogunquit, and parts of York and Kittery.
What qualifies Dawn to run for this office? She practiced law in Maine for over 11 years. She is a board director for Maine Mutual Group Insurance Company. She has also worked in the Maine State Planning Office and served on numerous local boards and committees.
I know Dawn was registered as an Independent for over 25 years, and now has chosen to run under the Democratic ticket. While she and I do not agree 100 percent on all political issues, you can count on her always to listen objectively and withhold judgment until getting all the facts. Her open leadership style is the reason many Republicans, Democrats and Independents have come together to work on her campaign as I have.
As a volunteer for Dawn, and a registered Republican at the young age of 91, I will be casting my vote for Dawn Hill on Nov. 7. She will help to keep things good.
Mary Clerkin
Moody
Delighted with Dawn
Dear Independent,I was delighted to learn that Dawn Hill is running for representative for part of Kittery. She is well qualified in the conventional sense; she has worked as an attorney and served on the York Planning Board. And she carefully considers all issues without a partisan agenda. But what makes her special to me is her love of animals. She runs "It's A Dog's World," a pet training center in York. She has a gentle compassion and a big heart for all living creatures. Imagine if all of our leaders were like Dawn Hill. There would be peace on earth.
Peter Lamandia
Nancy Bogenberger
Kittery
The right thing
Dear Independent,In 1938 when I was nine, the Depression was still a fact of life, although our family did not suffer. Between our house on Cottage Avenue and my school on Lincoln, the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) had initiated several projects involving sewer pipes and paving.
On my way I had noticed these small strange men struggling with picks and shovels for hours on end. My father worked in New York City, a half-hour commute by train from Mount Vernon. He always left for work, bathed and shaved, wearing a handsome suit, a fresh shirt, and a smart tie.
I had never before seen men at close hand engaged so forcefully, sweating, dressed in rags, exposed to the sun and the rain.
One afternoon it occurred to my child's mind that these men had to be very thirsty. I ran home, ransacked my piggy-bank for a quarter and raced to Lambrosia's Fruit and Vegetable Market on Prospect Avenue.
I bought all the oranges I could get for my money and tore back to the work site. Leaning across the edge of the ditch I held out the bag. One man, his eyes shining through a flood of perspiration, looked at me. I shook the bag.
"Please. Take it. For everyone."
He reached up, smiling and accepted the oranges. He tried to thank me. Shyly, we waved goodbye. I was very excited walking home.
As surely as the golden sun set on the small city of Mount Vernon, it had been the right thing to do.
It is 68 years since that day, but I can still recall the flow in my heart.
Warren LeMon
York
Leave it to Weaver
Dear Independent,I first want to thank the people of York for the honor, advice and assistance in the 10 years I have served as your state representative. It has truly been a privilege to be your voice in the Maine Legislature.
This November you will be electing a new representative for District 150. I strongly endorse the candidacy of Windol Weaver. I know him by reputation and how well, for 23 years, he served his country. A retired lieutenant colonel, his Air Force duty included more than 500 missions, 117 of which he had command responsibilities. His decorations attest to his courage and capabilities as a pilot and include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, the Air Medal with 23 oak leaf clusters and the Vietnam Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters.
As an administrator, his skills were apparent as the assistant director of the Joint Strategic Planning Staff, which had oversight for five New England Air Force bases.
I also know Windol personally and can attest to the able service he has given York. I have worked with him on many issues during his nine years as a member and chairman of the York Budget Committee. He was and is informed about the issues and decisive and forceful in his positions, yet always receptive to practical solutions to promote the public good. Augusta needs representatives who can bring Windol's experiences to the legislative process.
Windol Weaver has the character, qualities and experience to do this job in the Maine House of Representatives. I urge everyone to cast his or her vote for Windol Weaver, state representative, District 150.
David N. Ott
York
Thanks from Elks
Dear Independent,The York Elks would like to thank all the business donors for their generosity in donating to the York Elks Golf Tournament. A special thank you to the Cape Neddick Country Club for a wonderful buffet. Also, to all the volunteers who gave their time to help make this tournament such a success. Thank you all.
York Elks Golf Committee
York
Send your letters to the Editor at PO Box 6, York, ME 03909 or via email to editor@yorkindependent.net. Deadline for publication is 12:00 noon on the Monday prior to that week's publication
